How to invest in international stocks with Freetrade

You can invest in international stocks with Freetrade by using an ISA, SIPP or General Investment Account. Add funds in GBP, then find international stocks in the Discover tab on the app or web. When you place a trade, Freetrade automatically handles the currency conversion from GBP to the local currency. For US stocks, you can complete a digital W-8BEN form in-app to reduce withholding tax on dividends.

What time does the US market open in the UK?

US markets, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, are open from 2:30pm to 9:00pm UK time (9:30am to 4:00pm Eastern Time), Monday to Friday, excluding market holidays.

What are the benefits of having direct access to international markets?

Investing directly in overseas-listed stocks means your trades are placed at live market prices on the underlying exchange, rather than via UK-listed alternatives.

How much should you invest in international stocks?

There's no one-size-fits-all amount. Many investors use international stocks to diversify their portfolio, reduce reliance on the UK market, and gain exposure to global growth opportunities. The right balance depends on your goals, time horizon and attitude to risk.

Access global markets with international stocks

Q: What international markets can you invest in with Freetrade?

With Freetrade, you can invest in +6,500 international stocks across major global markets, all from one easy-to-use platform. UK markets: Invest in UK-listed stocks across major UK exchanges. US markets: Invest in stocks listed on the NYSE and Nasdaq, covering many of the world's largest and most widely followed companies. European markets: Access shares from major European exchanges, including Germany, France and Italy. Asia Pacific exposure: Gain exposure to Asia Pacific markets, including China and India, through selected market-tracking ETFs.

Invest beyond borders. 6,500+ UK, US and European stocks. Commission-free.

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Explore markets

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Invest beyond the UK

Build a globally diversified portfolio with easy access to international markets

Go global

Invest in the biggest companies on the planet, from big tech to luxury brands.

Diversify

Spread risk across different countries and currencies.

Reduce home bias

Balance UK exposure with opportunities from other markets.

Get started

Why choose Freetrade for international investing?

Commission-free investing

Pay no commission for buying or selling stocks. Other charges may apply. See our full pricing table.

6,500+ global stocks and ETFs

Choose from thousands of UK, US and European stocks, with ETFs available for broader market exposure. Search the full stocks list.

Automate your investments

Set up recurring orders, limit orders, and stop losses to control what you invest in and when.

No account fees

Access international stocks via an ISA, SIPP or GIA with no account fees.

Part of a FTSE 250-listed group

Invest globally with confidence at Freetrade, part of IG Group, a FTSE 250-listed company.

Easy to use

Manage your portfolio with ease on iOS, Android, or your web browser.

Get Started

Other charges like FX Fee on non-GBP trades may apply. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may affect investments denominated in currencies other than GBP and the amount you receive back.

What international markets can you invest in?

With Freetrade, you can invest in stocks across the UK,
US and Europe, with access to global markets beyond that.

EXPLORE INTERNATIONAL STOCKS

US markets

Invest in stocks listed on the NYSE and NASDAQ, including selected OTC-listed securities, with US-focused ETFs available.

European markets

Access shares from major European exchanges, including Germany, France and Italy.

Asia Pacific markets

Get exposure to major Asia Pacific markets, including China, Korea, Japan, and India, via ETFs, trusts, funds, and ADRs.

Central and South American stocks

Invest in dynamic Central and South American companies through, ETFs, trusts, funds, and ADRs.

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Award-winning international investing platform

Freetrade is a five-star–rated platform for investing in international shares. Invest in stocks across the UK, US and Europe, with access to global markets beyond that.

Start international investing with Freetrade in minutes.

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Step 1: Open a freetrade account

Open your Freetrade ISA, SIPP or GIA to invest internationally.

Mobile screen displaying a Direct Debit schedule setup, showing cash deducted on the 6th of every month, processed over two working days, and then available for investment.

Step 2: add funds

Deposit GBP by bank transfer, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Smartphone screen showing a trading app interface for buying Amazon shares with a £500 input and an estimated 3.3387 shares at a latest price of $150.02.

Step 3: find and invest

Search for international stocks in discovery tab and place your trade

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Don't let tax eat into your returns

Choose from tax-efficient account options to keep more of your returns.

ISA

Free to open

Individual savings account

No UK tax on growth or dividends. A great way to build wealth tax-free.

Open an ISA

SIPP

Free to open

Self-invested personal pension

Save for retirement with tax relief on contributions. Your money grows tax-free until you withdraw.

Open a SIPP

GIA

Free to open

General investment account

A flexible account if you’ve used your ISA allowance or don’t want a pension.

Open a GIA

Most investors start with an ISA, use a SIPP for long-term retirement saving, and keep a GIA for extra flexibility.

ISA and SIPP rules apply. Tax treatment depends on personal circumstances and current rules may change.

Fantastic experience! Really enjoy using the App. Very user friendly. Easy to navigate. Recently moved my old ISA to Freetrade. There were process was seamless and I was kept well informed through our the process. All together very pleased.

MAHEEN MATHEW

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I used Freetrade for my Stocks and Shares ISA for several years. It is the best looking platform out there (you can easily track your performance over a custom period, super easy to make trades and navigate throughout). The customer support chat is very easy to use and response time is very quick. Would highly recommend.

IGOR MASA

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What I love most: Commission-free trading: Buying and selling shares without hidden fees makes investing accessible to everyone. Fractional shares: You don’t need hundreds to invest in big-name companies—just a few pounds and a bit of curiosity. Slick design: The app feels modern and easy to navigate, even for beginners. Educational content: Their in-app insights and weekly emails help me understand the market better without being overwhelming. ISA and SIPP options: For those thinking long-term, it’s great to have tax-efficient accounts built right in. Whether you're dipping your toes into the stock market or managing a growing portfolio, Freetrade makes the experience feel empowering rather than intimidating. It’s not just an app—it’s a gateway to financial confidence.

HUSSAIN JERBI